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dialetto

dialect

noun dyah-LET-toh Rare
Communication Language

Origin: Greek dialektos, manner of speaking, from dialegesthai (to converse).

Usage Note

Dialetto refers to a regional variety of language, and in Italy this is culturally significant: Neapolitan, Venetian, Sicilian, and dozens of others are considered dialetti. Standard Italian (l'italiano standard) was largely derived from the Tuscan dialect. Unlike English 'dialect,' which can imply a sub-standard variety, dialetto in Italy often carries regional pride.

Examples

"I nonni parlano ancora il dialetto locale."

Natural Translation

The grandparents still speak the local dialect.

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